TIP! Never underestimate the value of keeping an emergency car kit handy. Include a spare tire, a jack, a battery charger and a container full of gas.

Learning about auto repair can seem like a daunting endeavor if you do not know where to start. The following article will help by giving you some great pointers, should you develop car problems. Keep reading for some great auto repair tips.

TIP! Check the radiator regularly. Let the car run a while, shut off the engine and then pop the hood.

Buy a good battery charger to keep in the car. This will be very useful in case your battery dies or if you run into someone who needs help with their battery. Find out where to connect the charger to your car.

TIP! Do not let mechanics do repairs that are not warranted on your car. A good mechanic will never perform work without getting your full approval.

Always carry a good emergency kit in the trunk of your car. You should put together a kit that includes the tools you need to change a tire, charge your battery and put more gas in your tank. Add some blankets, a flashlight and some batteries in case your car breaks down at night.

TIP! Make sure that you specifically request OEM parts. These parts are the same original parts designed by the manufacturer.

Be sure to ask lots of questions when taking your car to an auto repair service. Center your questions around the current problems and the precautions that you can take to prevent these problems from recurring. Preventative measures will save you a whole lot of money in the long run.

TIP! Try to find out what is causing the a problem with your vehicle before taking it to the shop. This will save you a great deal of money and protect you against fraud.

Keep an eye on your radiator levels. Run your engine for several minutes, and then turn it off and pop your hood. Never open the radiator cap if the engine is running. Use a dipstick to check the amount of fluid in the radiator. You should also make sure to mix coolant fluid with water before you pour it into your radiator.

TIP! You should make sure to have a spare tire and jack with you all the time. Most vehicles come with them, but you want to check anyway.

Do not give your keys to your mechanic before knowing more about the cost of the repairs. If you don’t understand something, make sure to clarify it first. You do not want to be surprised with added charges when you are handed the final bill.

TIP! Wiper blades are a very important component to your car. If your wipers don’t do a good job, you need to replace them.

Fixing a headlight or a taillight by yourself is very easy. It’s simpler in some vehicles than others, but doing it yourself is much cheaper than hiring a mechanic. See if someone you know can tell you how it’s done.

TIP! Look into an auto repair person that uses their own personal garage. These types of mechanics are sometimes not licensed or insured, but charge much less and can do really great work.

Look to your friends for their opinions on reputable car mechanics. Friends and family can help with recommendations. Research any recommendations you get. Use the web as a resource to find information about car repair shops.

TIP! Take all the fluffy and fun key chains off, or remove the car key. The ignition can’t support too much weight.

Get rid of any unnecessary key-chains that are attached to your car keys. This can help you drive safer and more secure. If your key begins to stick, you need to replace your tumblers and get rid of your favorite troll buddy that is weighing down your keychain!

Warning Lights

TIP! Keep an eye on the lights located on the dash, and make sure you are aware of what they all mean. These lights give you a good indication of when your vehicle needs some maintenance.

You should know and pay attention to your dashboard’s warning lights. They are located there to assist you, so use them to your advantage. Ignoring these warning lights will not make the problem go away.

TIP! Understand that visiting your dealer for auto repair work is not always necessary. There are great techs everywhere whether there’s a great shop 10 minutes from your house or whether you decide to go to the dealer further away.

Be certain to understand when your oil needs changing. If you want your car to run the way it should, its oil needs to be changed regularly. Neglecting this part of your car can reduce the lifespan of your car.

TIP! If you need to have your car fixed, but you don’t have a lot of cash on hand, think about asking a local vocational school if they have an auto repair class. You will pay much less for your repairs and will help students who are under the watchful eye of their qualified instructor.

Keep washing your car throughout the winter. While it may seem pointless, winter is the most damaging time for your car. Roads filled with sand and salt can really do some corrosive damage to your car. Be certain to dry your car completely before driving again, so that icing does not occur.

TIP! Often people will take a vehicle in for service, only to find out when they pick it up that there are more problems. This helps them give you the impression that you are getting a great deal.

Even if the problem you are having seems minor to you, have it looked at by a professional. A small problem can become a big one if it is left unchecked.

TIP! Look to AAA for reliable auto repairs. Joining them can help you when you need a deal at a body shop or a tow truck.

If you’re short on funds, find a vocational school in your area to see if they can repair it. You’ll pay much less for having students do work on your vehicle under a licensed mechanic’s supervision.

TIP! Some examples of things you can do on your own is adding windshield wiper fluid or oil to your vehicle. It’s a myth that only professional mechanics can perform routine maintenance on a car.

Don’t allow auto mechanics to persuade you that getting an engine flushed is normal maintenance. It is quite expensive and usually only necessary for engines in very bad shape. There is a good chance they are just trying to “pad” your bill, unless your engine is in real trouble.

TIP! When you receive a list of the issues involved in your auto repair from your mechanic, ask for some time before deciding on having the work done. Contact other shops and ask them for an estimate on the repair needed.

Good auto repair happens due to consistency. Stick with a shop that has gained your trust instead of going around to various ones for work. Each shop may provide a different answer to your problem. The amounts they charge you may vary and you may have to pay more.

TIP! Although mechanics from your dealer are usually expensive, there are times when using them is absolutely necessary. Your dealer’s mechanics are usually specialists in your car’s model.

Request a written estimate from mechanics that charge you over $200. This can help you file a complaint if necessary. In addition, your mechanic will likely not perform unnecessary repairs whenever he or she already has a written quote.

TIP! If you receive a repair estimate in excess of a couple of hundred dollars, get things in writing. This can help you file a complaint if necessary.

Knowledge of your car’s parts is key to recognizing issues. If you feel you are lacking in this department, think about signing up for a car repair class. Although you probably do not want to spend money on a class, educating yourself on car fundamentals can help you save money in the future because you will be more knowledgeable on how cars operate. You can better take care of minor problems before you’re throwing your hands up during major problems.

TIP! Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your mechanic. Don’t just concern yourself with the price; rather, ask about everything that has to do with the repairs.

Having an old car can mean trip after trip to the repair shop. Avoid this by becoming aware of potential problems. Keep this article in mind the next time you are thinking about taking your car into be serviced. When your car malfunctions, remember these suggestions.

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